Open Spaces Society

Description

The Open Spaces Society is Britain’s oldest national conservation body, campaigning to protect open spaces, commons, village greens and public paths in England and Wales.

It was founded in 1865 as the Commons Preservation Society, with founders and early members including John Stuart Mill, Lord Eversley, Sir Robert Hunter and Octavia Hill. It took its present name after amalgamating with the National Footpaths Preservation Society in 1899. Its early campaigns saved Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Wimbledon Common, Ashdown Forest and the Malvern Hills.

The society campaigns for stronger legal protection of commons, greens and paths, defends open spaces against loss and development, and helps local communities safeguard green spaces. It advises government bodies on applications affecting common land and is consulted by local authorities on proposed changes to public rights of way. It also takes legal action to defend paths and spaces, and its members include local correspondents around the country.

Based in Henley-on-Thames, it has over 2,300 members across England and Wales and depends on public donations and membership support for its work.